Former Burbank mayor dies

Jackson Bell

George William Haven, the two-time mayor of Burbank who was heavily

involved in various local organizations, died after a short illness

Wednesday in Quartz Hill.

He was 90.

Born June 1, 1912, in Michigan, Mr. Haven was a Burbank resident

for 34 years who moved to the Antelope Valley upon retirement. He

first relocated with his wife, infant son and father to Toluca Lake

in 1941, taking a job in Lockheed Corp.’s aircraft factory. In 1952,

he lived on Kenneth Road and founded his business, Electric

Maintenance Co.

Haven served on the Burbank City Council from 1963 to 1973,

including two terms as mayor.

“He wanted to contribute to society and wanted to do something

good for the public,” said Linda Sheldon, Haven’s daughter. “He loved

Burbank.”

Sheldon’s husband, Howard, added that in the 1960s, long before

the Glendale Galleria and Media City Center were built, Haven

realized the significant revenue possibilities of a mall but became

frustrated when the city didn’t support him.

Haven was a member of the Elks Club and served as a past exalted

ruler. He was also a Shriner and Moose. In addition, he served as the

president of the California League of Cities as well as in several

organizations.

He served in the U.S. Navy before World War II.

Haven is survived by his wife, Frances; his son, George William

Jr.; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Howard Sheldon; daughter

Susan; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can

be made to the Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 Hollywood Way, Burbank,

CA 91505.